"By challenge, I mean doing things that aren’t easy. Challenge means being pushed, stretched, and sometimes uncomfortable. By support, I mean having people around you who help you complete tasks and achieve goals. Support means feeling like you matter, that you're not alone, and that someone believes in you." Watch Superintendent Pekel's speech to the graduating classes of 2025 at last week's ceremonies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDb5DvfTktg&t=1s
about 2 hours ago, Rochester Public Schools
Superintendent Pekel speaking at the graduation ceremonies
What an incredible 2024-2025 school year! As we close the books on another year, we want to thank our amazing students, staff, and families for making it so special. Your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm made this year truly memorable. We've loved every moment of learning, growing, and achieving together. While we're sad to see it end, we're already looking forward to continuing the adventure with all of you next school year!
2 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Students dancing in line at Franklin
Family at Elton Hills posing for a photo
Students posing at Riverside
Students with teachers
Students at RALC
Mayo High School students entering the tunnel on the last day of school
Students on the playground
Students giving piggie backs at Franklin
High schooler getting a high five from Carrie at MHS
John Adams students posing for a photo
We forgot to mention a big accomplishment from this school year: the passing of the 2024 Ignite Student Learning Referendum! Watch this brief video from Superintendent Pekel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQK9P5NxpZU
2 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights from the past ten months. This list doesn’t capture everything great that happened in our schools, but I hope it gives you a sense of the extraordinary work we’ve done together. Everyone connected to Rochester Public Schools (RPS) should feel proud of what we’ve accomplished—and even more excited about what lies ahead. Read Superintendent Pekel's End Of Year Review: https://bit.ly/end-of-year-review-2025
3 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Collage of photos
For those unable to attend the Century High School (11 a.m.), Mayo High School (3 p.m.), or John Marshall High School (7 p.m.) graduation ceremonies in person at the Civic Center, we are glad to offer a live stream on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ISD535. Tune in at the scheduled ceremony times to share in the excitement from wherever you are!
6 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Class of 2025 Graduation Information
The Spartan Shack is closed for the year. We will tentatively be open during schedule pick up in August. Scan the QR Code to check for updates!
9 days ago, Mayo High School
Spartan Shack is closed for this school year.
Get Ready, because free summer meals are back! Starting June 9, summer meals will be offered at Elton Hills, Gage, Franklin, Longfellow, Overland, Riverside, Washington, Willow Creek, and John Marshall High School. Breakfast and lunch served daily. All meals for children 18 years of age or younger are FREE. Adult meals can also be purchased for $3.10 for breakfast and $5.50 for lunch. See the flyer for a full list, dates, and times, or visit www.rochesterschools.org/summermeals for more information. 🍏 June Menu: https://5il.co/3gpjn 🍏 Flyers: https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/summer-meals/805175
10 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Rochester Public Schools to host free summer meals for everyone 18 years of age or under from June 9 to August 15.
There will be no school on Monday, May 26, and RPS offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27.
14 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS is closed on memorial day
We are thrilled to invite you to honor our incredible graduating seniors next week as they embark on their next exciting chapter. Mark your calendars for a week filled with joy, pride, and memorable moments as we celebrate their outstanding achievements and check out this article for all of the details: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2225943
17 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Class of 2025 Graduation Information
We're halfway through Teacher Appreciation Week, and it's been full of joy! We have loved seeing all the celebrations, from a giant chicken outside a building to chalk art, treats, high fives, and hugs! RPS schools are showing huge love for our teachers! Thank you for everything you do for our students! We appreciate you!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
Rochester Public Schools (RPS) today announced that the four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2024 reached 86%, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This marks a 2.0 percentage point increase from the Class of 2023 (84%) and represents the highest graduation rate the district has achieved in the past six years. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2196956
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Media Release
Heads up, students! There will be no school on Wednesday, May 7. Staff will be engaged in a Curriculum Adjustment Day. See you back on Thursday, May 8.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School Wednesday, May 7
You're invited to our 2025 Celebration Powwow at Mayo High School this Saturday, May 3. Enjoy captivating dancing, drumming, delicious food, and beautiful Native American artistry. It's an excellent opportunity to support our students and learn more about our community's heritage. All are welcome! #RochesterMN #Classof2025
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS powwow Flyer
Powwow seniors
Powwow Dancer

Due to impending inclement weather this evening, ⚡ Middle school after-school activities are canceled. ⚡ All night school classes are canceled. ⚡ All activities at school sites must conclude by 6 p.m. Please make necessary arrangements and stay safe.

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
inclement weather update
Join us for a College Planning Night on April 25, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., for 8th—to 11th-grade students and parents. Learn more about the tools available to students within Xello and how to better prepare for college opportunities. Save the date and link for the session: bit.ly/3DySo3P
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Xello College Planning Tools for 8th to 11th grade parents and caregivers on April 28th, 2025 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The RPS School Board will meet today at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tonight's study session is the SCIP 2.0 Success Measures and Process Recommendation. If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535. You can view tonight's and other meeting's full agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
school board meeting study sesson
Rochester Public Schools wouldn't be the same without the dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking individuals who make a difference every day, whether they're teaching in classrooms, supporting students, or keeping our schools running smoothly behind the scenes. As a small gesture of gratitude, we invite you to share a few words of encouragement with a staff member who has made a positive impact on you or your student(s). Your message can go a long way in brightening someone's day and reminding them just how appreciated they are. Send a thank you card: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2149885
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
you are out of this world
thank you
you are pawsitively awesome
you're wheelie good at this
You're the glue that holds us together
you are soda-lightful
There is no school from Monday, March 31, to Friday, April 4. Students, enjoy your spring break vacation. See you back on Monday, April 7!
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
no school march 31 to april 4
Looking for a way to get involved with RPS? Join our CCIAC group. We need a diverse group of parents, community members, business leaders, and students to share their voices about the education of all Rochester Public Schools learners. The role of the CCIAC is to provide input and feedback on curriculum, instruction, and learning across RPS schools. The next meeting is Thursday, April 17, at the Edison Building, 615 7th ST SW. The group will meet for 90 minutes and dinner will be provided. Please RSVP at: https://bit.ly/cciac-rsvp
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
CCIAC Meeting
RPS is canceling school tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in anticipation of the blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service. Here’s what this means: ➡️ This is a complete District building closure due to the anticipated severity of the storm. We will not be clearing parking lots until the storm has passed. ➡️ High school MCA testing is rescheduled for next week. Families will receive further communication from their respective schools about the rescheduled date. ➡️ School Age Child Care (SACC) will be closed. ➡️ All PAIIR, Preschool Age Child Care (PACC), Preschool, and Community Education daytime and evening classes for early childhood, youth, adults, and adults with exceptional abilities are canceled. ➡️ Hawthorne Education Center is closed. ➡️ All community building rentals are canceled. ➡️ All Professional Growth Academy classes are canceled. ➡️ All after-school activities and athletics are canceled.
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS is closed March 19 in anticipation of blizzard warning